7 Healthy and Easy-to-Make Pasta Recipes

Pasta is a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by many people all over the world. However, it is often associated with being high in calories and carbohydrates, which can make it difficult for those who are trying to maintain a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are many healthy and easy-to-make pasta recipes that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. In this article, we will discuss 7 healthy and easy-to-make pasta recipes that you can try at home.

1. Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions and drain.
5. Toss the spaghetti with the roasted vegetables and Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
7. Creamy Avocado Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves- 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions and drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the avocado sauce until well coated.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves.
6. Spaghetti Carbonara with Turkey Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and milk.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon and toss to combine.
5. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the spaghetti and toss until well-coated.
   6. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the spaghetti.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
8. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the spaghetti, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
3. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Spinach and Mushroom Linguine

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender and lightly browned.
5. Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted and bright green.
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss with the vegetables until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
• 1-pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the cheese and tomatoes are evenly distributed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot or cold, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and cooked through.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the shrimp and garlic.
6. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, pasta can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet when prepared with the right ingredients and in the right portions. The above 7 recipes are easy-to-make, low in calories, and packed with nutrients. Whether you prefer classic tomato-based sauces, creamy avocado sauces, or fresh and zesty lemon garlic shrimp, there is a pasta recipe for everyone. By incorporating these recipes into your meal plan, you can enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a warm bowl of pasta without sacrificing your health and weight loss goals.